Being hit with unexpected tax bills of late or fraud can spell financial disaster for your personal financial well being. But it’s important to keep in mind that you do have choices. Hire a qualified tax attorney in Sarasota, FL, to represent you whenever you find yourself in this situation. A trustworthy tax service in Sarasota is the best way to go. So, how do you go about finding the best professional with a great track record of winning cases for their clients?
One way to find a great attorney in Sarasota is to ask the local business community for referrals. Ask your friends, family members, and neighbors if they know any great tax attorneys in the area. If you live in Florida, the state government has an online directory where you can find contact information for tax attorneys representing all areas of Florida. You can also get information on which Florida law schools they attended and whether or not they are members of the Florida Bar. Referrals from people you trust are usually solid, especially if they went through a lawyer who won their case.
The second way is to ask your local accountant if they have any referrals you might consider. If you’ve already filled out your Florida tax returns, ask them if they can refer you to a good Florida tax attorney. An accountant may not be able to give you a full list of Florida tax attorney services, but they can point you in the direction of someone who can help you. For example, an accountant may know of a tax attorney who is willing to take a case against his or her client on their own behalf if that’s what will benefit the client the most. Look at your current lawyer or accountant’s recommendations and if they don’t mention any Florida tax attorney services, then you’re probably safe.
If neither of these methods work for you, then you’ll have to turn to the internet. There are several web sites that list only Florida tax attorney services. Some are for the state, others are for counties or cities within the state. You can generally search for ‘felony tax fraud’ or ‘felony fraud’ to find a site that will provide you with the information you need. These sites will also let you plug in your personal information, like your name and address so that you are given a complete profile of the attorney.
The third way is to contact the law school that you’re interested in if they offer any type of program to train future lawyers. It is possible that they offer a Florida Tax Attorney Training Program, which will allow you to receive a certificate once you pass their state exam. Florida law school training programs usually last between one and two weeks, depending on the subject you wish to study. You’ll have to pass a test before you’re certified, but the fee is nominal compared to what it costs to go to law school.
The final method, and probably the best, is to go straight to a Florida Tax Attorney Services office. They typically do not do web consultations or accept phone calls. However, there are many out there and chances are you can get a good feel for their professionalism and willingness to help by the amount of time they take to examine your situation before giving you the advice or representing you in court. You’re much better off spending some quality time with someone who knows what they’re doing and can explain to you what your tax matters are. This can save you a lot of money and time down the road as you go through the process of paying back taxes, repairing your credit, and trying to understand the ever-changing tax laws.